In the heart of the majestic mountains of the gray Caucasus lies one of the oldest tourist and climbing centers of our country. This is Dombay - ski Eden, located in the protected corner of Karachay-Cherkessia. The incredible beauty of the landscapes of the North Caucasus, the clean mountain air and amazing conditions for outdoor activities attract tourists from all over Russia, as well as near and far abroad.
The modern resort Dombay is a unique center of mountaineering and skiing, a venue for competitions of international level, significant events of the cultural and sporting life of the country.
Resort Location
Dombayskaya glade - intermountain basin at an altitude of 1620 meters above sea level - the place where Dombay is located. The ski resort is located in the basin of the mountain river Teberda, on the territory of the Teberda National Reserve. The alpine valley comfortably perches at the foot of the Main Caucasian Range, where the waters of the Dombay-Ulgen, Amanauz and Alibek rivers merge together.
The clearing is ringed by a chain of bizarre snow-capped peaks with an unusually poetic name - Dombay-Ulgen (translated from Karachai - dead bison), Sulakhat - a sleeping girl, the striped rock of Belalakaya, Dzhuguturlyuchat (the habitat of the tours), Ine Peak, glorified by Erzoge Velizor.
Thanks to the mild climate and favorable geographical position, Dombai always has wonderful weather: massive mountain slopes protect the resort from the winds, and the sun illuminates the valley for more than 320 days a year. Heavy snowfalls and steady snow cover determine the long ski season, lasting from November to May.
Dombay - ski mecca of the North Caucasus
The sunny land of legends and legends - the amazing Caucasus - has long attracted travelers, explorers and climbers. Since the 20s of the last century, Dombai glade has been developing as a center of tourism and skiing. Today, Dombai is a ski resort that is rapidly developing its capabilities and infrastructure. The ski conditions here are close to the Alpine resorts: modern winter slopes, more than 20 kilometers long, an extensive network of lifts, a high level of service, and the main advantage is the wild, untouched beauty of the surrounding mountains.
Ski slopes
Ski slopes in Dombay originate at an altitude of more than 3 thousand meters on the top of the monumental ridge of Mussa Achitara. The system of slopes of various levels of complexity and length is suitable for both beginners and aces alpine skiing. The tracks, according to the adopted classification system, are conditionally divided into “green” (simple slopes for beginners), “blue” (medium difficulty level) and “red” - for pros who are confident in their abilities.
The main ski area is laid at an altitude of 2600-3012 meters and has an even calm relief. For children and completely "green" beginners prepared the simplest gentle slopes, the so-called "paddling pools", equipped with a tow-lift.
For those who like to tickle their nerves and professional athletes, the steep slopes of the northern part of Moussa-Achitar and Gonachkhir Gorges offer ample opportunities for freeriding. Fans of heli-ski awaits a dizzying ride along the pristine slopes from the peaks of Semenov-Bashi and the Alibek glacier, where the local helicopter throws extremes. For skiing in the late hours, the resort provides nighttime illumination of pistes.
Dombay lift system
Dombay is a ski resort that is serviced by several lift systems:
- Five lines of chairlift, built back in the 70-80 years of the XX century. The fourth and fifth stages of the cable car are delivered to the main ski area. The fourth stage leads to the so-called "Moussa clearing" at an altitude of 2.5 km. From here, the fifth chairlift cable car takes tourists to the crest of the ridge.
- Eight-seat gondola lift.
- The new cable car complex , which includes six- and four-seater chairs, delivering skiers and snowboarders to a height of up to 3200 meters.
- Yugoslav cable car with a length of 1700 meters.
- A cable-pendulum road, including two wagons with a capacity of up to 40 people, lifting tourists and skiers to a height of 2260 m.
- A network of tow-tow roads serving training slopes.
Resort Attractions
The main attraction of this region is the surrounding natural splendor of the Teberda Nature Reserve. Crystal mountain rivers and picturesque gorges, rapid waterfalls, cold beauty of high mountain lakes - an amazing panorama of these places opens a viewing platform on the top of Mussa Achitara. From here one can observe distant Elbrus shining in a cloudy haze.
A noteworthy place and a unique visiting card of Dombai is the original eight-seater hotel Tarelka, made in the form of an alien ship.
On the way to the Alikbek gorge, there is a quiet and memorable place - the cemetery of the dead climbers. People come here to pay tribute to those who died in the mountains while climbing or trying to save the life of their comrades. On the path leading to the graves there is a sign with the words from Vysotsky’s song: “There are no red roses and mourning ribbons, and the stone that gave you peace does not look like a monument ...”.
Attractions and excursions Dombay
Dombay is a ski resort where, in addition to an exciting variety of slopes, guests are offered a lot of opportunities for active and diverse recreation. You can admire the expanses of the snowy Caucasus by taking a ride on ATVs or in an exciting safari on snowmobiles. Fans of thrills will not leave indifferent the opportunity to make a stunning descent in a special zorb, a voluminous transparent ball.
Fascinating travels with an instructor on a paraglider, revealing unforgettable views of mountain landscapes from a bird's eye, deserve special mention. Confident skiers can try their hand at speed riding - an extreme combination of paragliding and skiing.
An ice skating rink, a toboggan run operate on the territory of the complex, horse and trekking tours are organized in the picturesque corners of the Teberda Nature Reserve.
Dombay in summer and autumn
Reserved Dombay is a ski resort that is worth visiting not only in winter. The delightful nature of this region offers great opportunities for relaxation in the summer and autumn. When snow falls off the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, the alpine meadows of the Dombai Valley bloom with a silky carpet of delicate plants. The gaze of travelers reveals the beauty of centuries-old fir forests, turquoise mountain lakes, millennial glaciers against a clear sunny sky.
In summer, in Dombay, a special non-hot climate is favorable for long walking excursions. At this time of the year, mountain biking and horseback riding, climbing the peaks of the Caucasus, and trekking are popular tourist attractions. In autumn, the nature of Teberda is lit up with a motley palette of golden-crimson colors.
Dombay - ski resort: prices for lifting and equipment rental
Prices for lift services depend on the choice of lift system. Since the main complexes of chairlifts belong to different owners, there is no single tariff on Dombay. For children and pensioners a 50% discount.
- The cost of a single climb on the old chairlift depends on the line and varies from 150 to 250 rubles, a daily subscription will cost a tourist from 500 to 1000 rubles.
- The cost of the ski pass for both phases of the new cableway complex will be 1600 rubles per day for an adult. A one-time rise in each line is estimated at 500 rubles.
- The services of the pendulum cableway to skiers and snowboarders will cost 200 p., Tourists - 300 rubles for one climb.
The cost of renting a set of equipment for skiing and snowboarding is approximately 400-450 rubles per day. On the territory of the complex, you can also purchase new equipment.
How to get there
There are several ways to get to the corner of Karachay-Cherkessia, where Dombay is located. The ski resort is located 230 kilometers from Mineralnye Vody Airport, and the easiest way to transfer is air travel. A bus daily runs from the airport (during the ski season from December to March), delivering tourists to the village center. You can also take a taxi or rent a car.
If you get to the ski resort by train, your destination can be the stations in Nevinnomyssk, Pyatigorsk, Nalchik or Mineralnye Vody. The road will take from 24 to 38 hours on the road. You can take a taxi from the station to Dombay; there are bus routes.
Direct flights from comfortable intercity buses run from Moscow to Dombayskaya Polyana. Also, non-stop, you can get to the vacation spot on your own, that is, on your own car.
The protected areas of the majestic Caucasus all year round welcome their guests with unique nature, healing air and the splendor of the high valleys. Dombay ski reviews of tourists unanimously ranked among the most impressive and beautiful resorts in our country.